North Attleboro Man Charged in ‘Lie-and-Buy’ Gun Scheme

BOSTON – A North Attleboro man has been charged in connection with a “lie-and-buy” firearms scheme.

Brian Watkins, 51, was indicted on one count of making a false statement during a firearm purchase. Watkins appeared in federal court in Boston yesterday and was released on conditions.

According to the indictment unsealed yesterday, on March 21, 2018, Watkins represented himself to be the actual purchaser of a firearm – a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber pistol - from a licensed dealer, when in fact he was purchasing the firearm for another person.

The charge of making false statements during a firearm purchase provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.